The South Sydney Football Club has released Dean Widders from the final year of his playing contract today to allow him to take up a position with UK Super League Club Castleford.

Widders has agreed to a three-year deal with Castleford starting in the 2009 season.

“Dean is one of the game’s true gentlemen, a hard-working community hero and a fine footballer. We wish him the best of luck at Castleford,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.

Widders has played 159 NRL games throughout his career including 34 for the Rabbitohs since joining the Club in 2007.

Meanwhile, John Lang will extend his tenure with the Club on a permanent basis after joining the football management team today.

Mr Lang is now the Club’s Football Manager alongside Richardson, Operations Manager Tony Henderson and Recruitment Manager Mark Hughes.

Richardson says: “John has one of the brightest football minds in the game and he is the man to control our football department off the field of play.

“He has done an excellent job over the past couple of months here at the Club and we’re very pleased that we can extend his stay here at South Sydney.

“John will be responsible for managing the football staff at the Club and the football department budgets.”

Mr Lang is delighted to be part of the Rabbitohs organisation as the Club moves towards 2009.

“I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent at the Club so far,” Mr Lang said.

“I’m really enjoying working with the young people here at Souths and there is a good energy about the place.

“I feel I have something to offer and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the continuing rise of the Club.”